Mardi Gras today: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010

The Times-PicayuneHands reach out for beads during the Krewe of Iris parade. Iris, 11 a.m.

* What happens when 850 women in costume climb aboard 33 floats? The annual magic of Iris.
* Organized in 1917, Iris is the oldest ladies-only Mardi Gras group in New Orleans.
* Mardi Gras revelers traditionally set up chairs, ladders, barbecue grills and playpens up and down the historic Krewe of Iris route from Uptown to Downtown every year. 2010 should be no different, since the 850 female riders of the 93-year-old krewe are known for their generosity to waiting throngs.
Those seeking exclusive Iris throws will find cups and doubloons specific to the captain and specific floats, thematic beads, ceramic beads and matching bracelets, plush sunflowers, footballs, decals, umbrellas and much more.

Tucks, 12:15 p.m.

* Did you know: Tucks throws toilets that can shoot water.
* The king’s float of this crazy krewe is a toilet.
* Carnival at its most irreverent rolls down St. Charles Avenue in the form of the 800 members of Tucks. Actors Rob Corrdry (“The Daily Show”), Craig Robinson (“The Office,” “Father of Invention”) and Clark Duke (“Greek”) – all in the forthcoming MGM comedy “Hot Tub Time Machine” – will ride in a hot tub float.
* “Tucks Faces Reality” will be shown on the 26 floats, with titles such as “Army Corps – Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader,” “The Biggest Loser” and “Pimp My Streetcar.” For every float, there is a band, plus more marching units.
* Following the parade, the group hosts the Tucks Extravaganza at the Sheraton Hotel. Tucks is named for the watering hole popularized by the founding Loyola students.

Endymion, 4:15 p.m., Mid-City

* Did you know: With more than 2,400 riders, Endymion is the largest parade in all of Carnival.
* Known for their generosity, members of the super krewe will throw an array of Endymion items, including a special penguin in honor of Endymion, born at Audubon Zoo last year on parade day.
* Saints owner Tom Benson and his wife Gayle will be the grand marshals and are expected to be joined by several members of the team.
* Celebrity guests include Trombone Shorty and Kellie Pickler. Monarchs for the krewe are Kelly Elizabeth Giardina and Patrick Russo.
* Watch for a lighted medallion bead, footballs with Benson and Endymion doing the Benson Boogie, doubloons and more.
* Endymion parades into the Superdome for the Extravaganza, a staggering party for 15,000 with such name entertainers as Cowboy Mouth, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Party on the Moon.

Westbank Mardi Gras parade:

Nomtoc, 10:45 a.m., Algiers

* NOMTOC is an acronym for “New Orleans’ Most Talked of Club.”
* Did you know: This is NOMTOC’s 40th anniversary. Twelve bands and 12 marching groups will join the parade, as well as 10 horse groups. Local meteorologist Dameon Singleton will be the grand marshal.
* Reining at the annual ball Jan. 23 were King NOMTOC XL Alan Jerome Hendrix and Queen NOMTOC XL Casey Angelle Coleman.

Metairie Mardi Gras parade:

Isis, 6:30 p.m.

* Did you now: Isis is known for its Genie Doll throws.
* Decorated flip-flops are a hallmark throw for this krewe.
* Isis will hit the streets Feb. 13 with 19 floats bearing the theme, “Tell Me A Story” and such titles as “Jack and Jill,” “Hickory Dickory Dock” and “Little Miss Muffett.”
* An estimated 250 riders, joined by five bands and six marching groups, will throw Genie Dolls, flip-flop beads and decorated flip-flops in all sizes.
* King and queen will be Jonathan Holmes and Kristine Connell.

Regional Mardi Gras parades:

Bush, 9 a.m., Bush, La.

* Did you know: This old-fashioned town parade is open to all.
* Look for pickup trucks, antique cars, go-carts and horses.
* Residents of Bush get back to basics when celebrating Mardi Gras with a community parade open to everyone. Those interested are invited to bring their trucks, antique cars, go-carts, horses or tractors (along with throws they can round up) to the Bush Truck Stop at the intersection of La. Highways 40 and 21 at 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13. There is no entry fee. The parade begins at 9 a.m. Approximately 30 to 40 usually participate.

Lul, Noon, Luling

* Look for special throws from the king and queen.
* Did you know: the celebrities and royalty are lifelong residents of Luling.
* A wild mix of more than 30 floats will join in the fun of the Krewe of Lul parade that rolls at noon. Individual groups create their floats for the parade, including the Krewe of Mixed Nuts, Cajuns on the Bayou, Krewe of HBA, Krewe of Rhapsody, Becnel Bunc, Diamond Social Club, Derby Gang and the Millennium Carnival Club.
* The Hahnville High School Band will lead the parade. Watch for the Westbank Divas, several local fire departments, festival queens (including the Des Allemands Catfish Festival queen), the St. Charles Community Health Center Mobile Unit and the Mr. Peanut and the Peanut

Towahpasah, 1 p.m., Reserve

* This River Road community parade celebrates Carnival with all types of vehicles and floats.
* The Krewe of Towahpasah, open to anyone who wishes to participate, will celebrate the 2010 Carnival season Saturday, Feb. 13, when it rolls through the streets of Reserve.
* Featuring a variety of vehicles, each entrant is designed by the individual owners. Riders choose their own throws, which usually includes beads, cups and an assortment of stuffed animals and items.
Royalty for this unique street procession is announced the day of the parade.

MCCA, 1 p.m., Bogalusa

* 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of this much-heralded krewe. MCCA riders build their own lavish floats.
* Nearly 40 floats carrying more than 400 riders will greet visitors in Bogalusa, where the Krewe of MCCA (Magic City Carnival Association) claims the fame of being “the largest Carnival event in a city with a population of 15,000 or less.”
* The captain of the krewe says members pride themselves on attracting more than 50,000 parade watchers annually.
* Special anniversary-themed throws will descend on the throngs, including krewe-emblem beads, doubloons, cups, plush figures and much more.